College children will be returning home next month and frankly, I’m more than a little bit nervous.

With only one child left at home, I’ve become re-acquainted with the pleasures of order and cleanliness.

I would be the first to tell you that I love the chaos of family life.There’s a feeling of purpose and satisfaction in the work of managing a household full of the dilemmas and disasters that accompany a clan of children.And some of the funniest blunders occur when our household spins out of control.

But I’m not a glutton for punishment, and I’ve tasted the sweetness of post-parental peace.I’m an entirely different person when I’m not overrun by a full house.I’m kinder, more patient, generous, and thoughtful.I call friends and my own parents more frequently.And I relax, guilt-free!Sometimes I even sleep late.

It’s glorious, this return to self.It’s as if I’ve woken from a dream – a very full and joyous one – and found myself standing in my own shoes again.There’s a vagueness about me, like the stupor one has upon waking, and it’s going to take some time to understand and appreciate it all.

At present, I’m facing two inbound teens who are recognizable but so very different from thetentative pair that packed up their lives 9 months ago.They’ve had the chance to exert their independence in a variety of new, sometimes challenging, situations and they radiate confidence.

One would be labeled a fool for assuming that these young adults would morph back into the habit of obedience that preceded their college experience. The over-18’s have been in the big wide world playing adult, sort of, but not really. Now they will appear at my doorstep with selective amnesia and forget at least some of the rules all of the time.

In an attempt to preserve my sanity this summer, I’ve decided to resurrect the idea of a family contract.This time, the language is more formal, like the leases my college children each signed for their apartments next year.

I’m not aiming to make our home an unappealing place with rules so strict that big teens/young adults feel stifled.And I’m certainly not interested in playing corrections officer.I’m simply looking to create enough order and peace so that none of us feel the need to fight or flee.

This contract may not be welcomed.And I won’t win any awards for the most popular parent.But if all goes well, perhaps my children will see and appreciate the new, steadier version of me – the one without the bags under her eyes, calming sipping a cup of tea on a lazy Saturday afternoon.The one who is likely to dole out more yes’s than no’s when her house and her life aren’t turned upside down.

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Re-entry Contract

By signing this lease you hereby agree to the rules set forth herein which outline a basic code of conduct for the household.This contract is binding.Any violation of it will result in corrective measures including loss of amenities and forfeiture of personal items.Expenses may be incurred.

1. RESPECT

Common spaces are sacred. They should be uncluttered and clean when not in use.

No dirty dishes on the counter or in the sink.

No articles of clothing dropped on tables, chairs or floor.

No random paraphernalia scattered on counters.

2. CONTRIBUTE

Each resident is expected to contribute to the work of the household. Chores are done by all, for all.

If you eat/sleep in this house, you are expected to help with food shopping, prep, and cleaning.